Rovers acquired the land in February this year but have not yet submitted a planning application to South Gloucestershire Council.

“The pre-planning consultation has been returned,” confirmed Hamer to the Post.

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“Which I’ve got to say is encouraging, I think it’s pretty favourable. The next stage now is for us to complete our planning and make that submission. Once that’s hopefully been agreed, and there is probably a bit of back forth to go with that, we can get on with it.”

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Many Rovers fans have been desperate for news as to when work could start at the new 30-acre site and when the club could begin training there.

“I can understand people’s frustrations,” admitted Hamer.

“But you always have to respect the local residents and you don’t want to be up there doing things when maybe you’ve jumped the gun or they’re not permissible.

Steve Hamer, Darrell Clarke and Marcus Stewart at the Colony

“It’s not that we’re dragging our heels or hiding behind bushes pretending we’ve done this or done that. You want to make sure everybody has a very clear understanding of what our intention is, and sometimes if you’re a fan of a football club you want it to happen and sometimes those within a football club, who have a responsibility of making sure all bases are covered properly, can’t be as presumptuous as you would wish.”

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“In fairness, a lot of those great ideas need decent facilities to support it. We’ve had many overtures and approaches from various people who want to start ladies’ teams and play in the Rovers blue and white quarters. It’s absolutely fantastic.

“But right now, where are we going to put them? I think we have to give them the best.